Sherman's Travel

Make the most of the waning days of summer or beautiful early fall with this European air sale from American Airlines. Book by June 27 and travel August 14 through October 27 to get this deal. Depart from your choice of cities across the United States, including New York, Boston, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Orlando, Chicago, Houston and Albuquerque, and fly to a number of great European destinations including London, Brussels, Helsinki, Madrid, and more. Finish summer with a bang by spending it in Paris, or fly to Frankfurt and take a train to Munich for Oktoberfest — this sale is flexible on dates and locations.

THE VALUE: The same routes cost over $1,000 in summer on other airlines, so this deal saves over $400 on round-trip tickets.

THE CATCH: Travel must be completed by November 24, and taxes and fees of up to $190 are not included.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book online with American Airlines.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find the best place to stay in Europe with our Travel Search tool, or check out what to do when you get there with our European Travel Guides.

British Airways’ Europe air fare sale is the perfect way to spend that languishing Christmas bonus. Starting from just $397, round-trip flights span the breadth of Western Europe from Paris to Madrid to Frankfurt and more, departing from over 15 major U.S. cities on both coasts, with the lowest rates on routes from the Boston, New York, and Philadelphia heading to London and Edinburgh. Reserve your seat by January 27, and soak in Athens’ mild climate and Carnival celebrations or stroll through Florence’s art galleries and cathedrals unhindered by the crowds of summer, all the while paying half the rate of non-discounted flights.

Sample Round-Trip Fares (Before Taxes):

• New York-London: $397
• Boston-Edinburgh: $397
• Houston-London: $472
• Philadelphia-Madrid: $498
• New York-Rome: $519
• Philadelphia-Munich: $530
• Chicago-Amsterdam: $565
• Boston-Prague: $577
• Miami-Milan: $579
• Orlando-Rome: $579
• Washington, D.C.-Barcelona: $549
• Los Angeles-Milan: $649
• Las Vegas-Paris: $656
• Baltimore-Athens: $676
• And more!

THE VALUE: Save over 50 percent on regular airfare.

THE CATCH: The climate is similar to the States, so don’t expect to get too far away from the chill.

THE DETAILS: Visit www.travelocity.com to book your flight by January 27! Travel January 25 through April 12.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Visit our Savvy Flyer blog before you take off for up-to-date advice and news from the skies.

One holiday down… a season to go! And if there’s one thing we made sure to give thanks for at our table yesterday, it’s the bevy of queer cheer Europe provides this time of year – two Pink Christmas festivals alone.

Kicking off December 1 with a World AIDS Day gala (TicNet.se), Stockholm brings the festive flavor all month long with parties, shows, and seductive Santas. Highlights include a mondo lesbian party December 11 at Södermalm clubs Momma and Roxy and an all-night affair celebrating Saint Lucia, the queen of light, on December 12. If last year’s festivities are any indication, different bars will take a non-traditional slant on the theme before Lucia “herself” drags it up, dressed in white with a crown of candles before dawn on the 13th. For more info on Pink Christmas and the whole Pink December festival, check out QX magazine (QX.se/gaymap) or Stockholm’s LGBT blog (StockholmTown.com/gay-lesbian), which will have all up-to-date info as it’s released.

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Travelers headed to Europe will be hard-pressed to find affordable airfare this summer. Flights to major cities like Paris, Munich, Madrid, Rome, and more are selling for hundreds more than last year, with average ticket prices ranging from $900-$1,500 round-trip (from New York City). However, Scandinavia appears to be exempt from this wallet-damaging trend, with current rates the same ? or lower ? than they were in 2009. This new sale from SAS is the silver-lining to the sky-high summer fares with prices starting at just $715 round-trip – with taxes included. This sale fare ends May 27. Travel is valid from August 15-October 18.

Round-Trip Sample Fares (This August) with Taxes:
•    New York?Stockholm: $715
•    New York?Copenhagen: $720
•    New York?Oslo: $741
•    Chicago?Copenhagen: $820
•    Washington, D.C. –Copenhagen: $820
•    Washington D.C. –Stockholm: $836
•    Chicago?Oslo: $840
•    Washington, D.C.-Oslo: $841
•    And more!

The most popular countries for Americans vacationing in Europe are the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. I’ve always wondered why Germany isn’t higher on the list. Perhaps it’s because of the flawed notions that the weather is too cold and that Germans are stern and humorless.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. While Germany’s temperate months are limited, spring, summer, and early fall are all wonderful times to visit. And Germans are incredibly warm: In my frequent travels, I have always found them easy to meet and befriend. Many Germans speak flawless English and have a genuine liking for Americans. I suggest getting to know Germany by starting in Munich, the country’s third largest city. Read more

While downing a cold Guinness yesterday, in preparation for St. Patrick’s day of course, I was inspired to write about my second favorite hobby besides travel . . . beer. Now I’m not a raging alcoholic and I don’t need 12 steps (at least I don’t think I do) – I just deeply appreciate an icy cold adult beverage, whether it be an exotic lager from a far away land or a strikingly good stout made in a local brewery. One of the best ways to sample (or chug) some suds is by checking out a beer festival. Read on to discover five noteworthy brew cities and their big booze events. Cheers – and may the luck of the Irish be with you! Read more